Canberr: Australian PM Tony Abbott called for calm after a gunman took up to 12 hostages in Sydney`s city center Monday morning. New South Wales (NSW) Police and the Australian Federal Police are currently responding to a reported hostage taking incident in Martin Place in Sydney,” Xinhua quoted Abbott as saying.
I have spoken with NSW Premier Mike Baird and offered him all possible Commonwealth support and assistance. The National Security Committee of the Cabinet has also convened for briefings on the situation,” said the prime minister.
This is obviously a deeply concerning incident, but all Australians should be reassured that our law enforcement and security agencies are well trained and equipped and are responding in a thorough and professional manner,” he added. Abbott also confirmed that the federal government would provide further updates as further information becomes available.
US President Barack Obama has been briefed about the situation at a cafe in Sydney where hostages were being held and an Islamic flag had been displayed, says a White House official. Lisa Monaco, the President`s top counter-terrorism advisor, had spoken to Obama about events in the Australian city, adds the White House official.
India’s PM Narendra Modi also condemned as “inhuman” the hostage crisis in Australia and said he prays for everybody’s safety. The incident in Sydney is disturbing. Such acts are inhuman & deeply unfortunate. I pray for everyone’s safety,” Modi tweeted.
Several people were today taken hostage at a popular cafe in the heart of Sydney city in south-east Australia at least by one gunman, according to media reports. An Islamic flag was also reportedly seen hanging from the window of the cafe. Witnesses claimed hearing loud bangs that sounded like gun shots.
Australia has been on high alert after the government raised concerns that citizens who have fought alongside jihadists in Iraq and Syria could return home radicalised and capable of carrying out attacks.
TV pictures are showing a flag — black with white Arabic writing — held to a window by customers at Lindt chocolate cafe. It appears to be the shahada, or profession of faith in Islam, and says: “There is no god but Allah; Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah.
Reports say anywhere between a dozen and 50 people were in the Lindt cafe. Several are seen with their arms in the air and many as 20 people were in the cafe and that there were at least two gunmen, although police had no immediate comment, only confirming that an operation was underway.
Two more hostages have been seen running out of the Lindt cafe. Five hostages have come out so far from the cafe. Hostages are being held inside a cafe in central Sydney with a siege underway and an Islamic flag held up to a window, reports and witnesses said.
For those seeking information about Indians in Sydney, the External Affairs Ministry has set up a helpline. In case of queries about Indian nationals following events in Sydney contact Dr Vinod Bahade Dy Consul General at phone +61 481 453550
Hostages are being held inside a cafe in central Sydney with a siege underway and an Islamic flag held up to a window, reports and witnesses said.
Bureau Report
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